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Definitions of Genius
Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Intelligence Genes
Estimated IQ's of Famous Geniuses
Albert Einstein - A True Genius's Brain
Autistic Savants
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Albert Einstein - A True Genius's Brain
The best way to study the genetic aspects of a true genius is through
Albert Einstein. Because he is a recent and well-known genius, his
brain is still available for research and observation. Three papers
have been published about aspects of his brain that vary from the
norm.
1. The First Paper
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Research: For the first paper, scientists counted the number
of neurons and glial cells in four areas of Einstein's brain:
area 9 of the cerebra cortex on the right and left hemisphere
and area 39 on the cerebral cortex on the right and left hemisphere.
The ratios of neurons to glial cells in Einstein's brain were
compared to those from the brains of 11 men who died at the
average age of 64.
Findings: Compared to the ratios of the brains of the 11
normal men, the ratios of neurons to glial cells in Einstein's
brain were smaller in the left area 30. In this area, there
were more glial cells for every neuron in his brain.
Conclusion: The Scientists concluded that the greater number
of glial cells per neuron indicates that he neurons had an
increased metabolic need - they needed and used more energy,
causing Einstein to have better thinking abilities and conceptual
skills.
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2. The Second Paper
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Findings: This paper found that Einstein's brain weighed
only 1,230 grams which is far less than the average adult
male brain (about 1,400 grams). The authors also reported
that the thickness of Einstein's cerebral cortex was thinner
than that of five control brains, but the density of the neurons
was greater in Einstein's brain.
Conclusion: The fact that the density of neurons was greater
meant that Einstein was able to pack more neurons in a given
area of cortex.
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3. The Third Paper
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Research: Scientists compared external surface characteristics
of Einstein's brain with that of 35 men whose average age
was 57 years old.
Findings: Unlike the 35 control brains, Einstein's brain
had an unusual pattern of grooves (called sulci) on both the
right and left parietal lobes. This particular area is thought
to be important for mathematical abilities and spatial reasoning.
Also, his brain had a much shorter lateral sulcus that was
partially missing. Finally, his brain was 15% wider than the
other brains used in the study.
Conclusion: Researchers think that these unique brain characteristics
may have allowed better connections between neurons important
for math and spatial reasoning
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Further Reading |
